Science Teams

The USGS Environmental Health (EH) Program research where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS are found, how they move and change in the environment, how they might affect both ecosystems and human health, and ways to reduce their impact. The three teams focusing on these issues within the EH Program include: 1) the PFAS Integrated Science Team, 2) the PFAS Core Technology Team, and 3) the...

The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.

Produced water is a complex waste byproduct from oil and gas development that can be repurposed for beneficial uses. Understanding its applications, how it moves through the environment, and its potential effects on human health is essential. USGS researchers, in collaboration with Health Effects Institute (HEI) Energy, reviewed and analyzed existing literature to identify knowledge gaps about...

Energy development is critical to American energy independence and provides economic benefits to local communities. Scientific information is needed to aid in the sustainable development of energy resources. Sustainable energy development can include strategies for protecting environmental health and ecological services that benefit local communities. The USGS Environmental Health Program, Energy...

Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...

The Environmental Health Program integrates multi-disciplinary research to tackle the environmental challenges that impact the nation's natural resource assets. By providing comprehensive research and data, the program assesses both actual and perceived risks associated with environmental contaminants and pathogens while supporting variety of uses of our natural resources.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 14,000 different man-made compounds that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products and linked to various health issues. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent synthetic chemical within the PFAS group, recognized for its widespread use and persistence in the environment. The U.S. Geological Survey is...

The Energy Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team focuses on the potential for environmental contaminant exposures that might originate from energy resource activities including extraction, production, transportation, storage, waste management, and restoration. Perceived health risks to humans and other organisms will be distinguished from actual risks, if any. If actual risks are identified...

The Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team focuses on contaminant exposures in the environment that might originate from mineral resource activities including, transportation, storage, extraction and waste management. Perceived health risks to humans and other organisms will be distinguished from actual risks, if any. If actual risks are identified the science produced by this team...

Managing harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes requires understanding the roles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, emphasizing a comprehensive approach beyond just phosphorus reduction.

Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.